Dixie Gunsmithing
Moderator Emeritus
I would watch that barrel, as 780 deg. F. is generally when steel turns a flat dark gray, and softer than spring hard, which is about 590 Deg. F. Generally, I use the range of 500 deg. F. to 590 deg F. when drawing for temper. 500 being good for wear parts and tools, and 590 for springs.
It would be according to how long the barrel stayed in the heat, in order to know how hot it actually got. I don't think the water would do much, since we quench when drawing temper too. It would have to be red hot, to harden it with quenching. I'd shoot that in a vise, etc., though, for proofing.
It would be according to how long the barrel stayed in the heat, in order to know how hot it actually got. I don't think the water would do much, since we quench when drawing temper too. It would have to be red hot, to harden it with quenching. I'd shoot that in a vise, etc., though, for proofing.